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Qualified Intermediaries (1031 Exchanges)

IRS rules prohibit sellers from taking possession of sale proceeds, so a Qualified Intermediary is required to facilitate a 1031 Exchange.

A Section 1031 Exchange allows certain investment and business real estate owners to defer capital gains taxes by exchanging one qualifying property for another.

Because IRS regulations prohibit sellers from taking possession of the sale proceeds during the exchange process, a Qualified Intermediary (QI) is required to facilitate the transaction.

This page explains what Qualified Intermediaries do, when they are needed, questions you may want to ask before selecting one, and provides regional resources serving Northwestern Colorado and Northeastern Utah.

01

What They Do

Qualified Intermediaries assist with delayed 1031 Exchanges; reverse exchanges; improvement (build-to-suit) exchanges; exchange documentation; holding exchange funds; IRS compliance; exchange timelines; assignment documentation; coordination with closing agents; and exchange reporting.

02

When You Might Need One

  • Selling investment property
  • Selling commercial real estate
  • Selling rental property
  • Selling agricultural property
  • Selling land held for investment
  • Acquiring replacement investment property
  • Multi-property exchanges
  • Reverse exchanges

03

Why Their Role Matters

IRS regulations require that exchange proceeds remain under the control of an independent Qualified Intermediary during a 1031 Exchange. Failure to properly structure the exchange or meet IRS deadlines may result in the transaction becoming taxable. Working with an experienced Qualified Intermediary can help coordinate the exchange process, prepare required documentation, and facilitate communication between your closing professionals, CPA, attorney, and other advisors.

04

Important Deadlines

45-Day Identification Rule

After closing on the relinquished property, replacement property must generally be identified within 45 calendar days.

180-Day Exchange Rule

The purchase of the replacement property must generally be completed within 180 calendar days after the sale of the relinquished property, subject to applicable IRS rules.

These deadlines are established by IRS regulations and generally cannot be extended except in limited circumstances.

05

Questions to Ask Before You Hire

  • How long have you been serving as a Qualified Intermediary?
  • Are exchange funds held in segregated accounts?
  • What security measures protect exchange funds?
  • What types of exchanges do you regularly facilitate?
  • Do you handle reverse exchanges?
  • Do you facilitate improvement exchanges?
  • What are your fees?
  • Will you coordinate with my CPA, attorney, title company, and real estate broker?

06

Local Resources Serving This Area

Choosing the right professional is an important decision.Take time to compare experience, communication style, availability, services, and pricing.We're happy to help you think through which types of expertise may be appropriate for your situation.

Western Slope & Colorado

  • Western Slope Exchange, LLC

    Serving the Western Slope

    Specialties: delayed exchanges, reverse exchanges, improvement exchanges, agricultural property, water rights, and ranch properties.

  • First Integrity 1031 Exchanges

    Colorado statewide

    Specialties: Qualified Intermediary services, Colorado real estate, and coordination with title companies.

  • Asset Preservation, Inc. (API)

    Colorado regional division

    Specialties: commercial, resort property, agricultural property, multifamily, and complex exchanges.

Utah & Uintah Basin

  • 1031 Pros

    Utah statewide

    Specialties: delayed exchanges, reverse exchanges, commercial exchanges, and improvement exchanges.

  • IPX1031

    Utah and Colorado

    Specialties: commercial, residential investment, land, and multi-state exchanges.

07

Local Title Companies

Title companies do not serve as Qualified Intermediaries.Instead, they coordinate the real estate closing while working alongside the Qualified Intermediary selected by the property owner.

  • Land Title Guarantee Company

    Serving Craig & Steamboat Springs

    Closing and title services for Northwest Colorado transactions.

    (970) 879-2500
  • Title Company of the Rockies

    Serving Meeker & Steamboat Springs

    Closing and title services for Northwest Colorado transactions.

    (970) 879-8800
  • Uintah Basin Title Company

    Serving Vernal & Uintah County

    Closing and title services for Northeastern Utah transactions.

    (435) 789-2101
A Qualified Intermediary should be selected before closing on the sale of your relinquished property. Once a sale has closed and exchange funds have been received directly by the seller, a 1031 Exchange generally cannot be established for that transaction. Because IRS rules governing exchanges are complex, investors should also consult with their CPA and attorney regarding tax and legal considerations before proceeding.

Western Edge Property Group provides these resources as a convenience to help you begin your research. Inclusion in this directory does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. We encourage you to compare experience, exchange specialties, communication style, security procedures, and fees before selecting a Qualified Intermediary.

Western Edge Property Group does not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their own CPA and attorney regarding the tax and legal implications of a Section 1031 Exchange.

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Thinking About a 1031 Exchange?

A successful exchange requires planning before your property closes. I'd be happy to help you understand how the process works, identify important timelines, and connect you with experienced professionals who can help you evaluate whether a 1031 Exchange is appropriate for your situation.

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